This year the University is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of William Thomson, otherwise known as Lord Kelvin.

Lord Kelvin is one of the most prominent figures in the University’s history, having held the chair of Natural Philosophy for 53 years, from 1846 to 1899, and his influence is still felt through the inventions, innovation and inspiration which shape our world.

The University will celebrate his life and legacy through a series of events and reflections over the course of this year.

Bust of Lord Kelvin by Archibald McFarlane Shannan in the Hunterian Museum

How can I get involved?

You can learn more about Lord Kelvin, his long association with the University of Glasgow, and his many accomplishments on our new Lord Kelvin 200 webpages.

Of course, mention Lord Kelvin and many people think of temperature and absolute zero - the lowest temperature possible. However, Kelvin was a polymath, with many pioneering contributions beyond thermodynamics. A special exhibition Lord Kelvin – Beyond Absolute Zero at the ARC - will offer a fascinating insight into his lesser known achievements, on chirality, space filling, electricity and global communication. 

Colleagues, students and visitors to the University campus can also see the physical legacy of Lord Kelvin in a permanent exhibition in the Hunterian Museum. ‘Lord Kelvin: Revolutionary Scientist’ is located on the balcony level of the Hunterian Museum main hall and presents a collection of original scientific instruments and historical items. 

Visitors to Gilmorehill can also spot where Lord Kelvin lived while working at the University, at 11 Professors’ Square, as well as his clock which is still present on campus.

Over coming weeks, a programme of events will be finalised. If colleagues are planning any events of their own, please contact the External Relations Events Team who can assist in listing these in the programme externalrelations-events@glasgow.ac.uk.

We have developed a Kelvin 200 PowerPoint template on the University’s Brand Toolkit. Photos to support your own Lord Kelvin 200 communications are on the University's marketing library, please note you need to be registered to use it; please contact Pete Howard for access.

Images include photos of Lord Kelvin, his letters and other archive material, exhibits in the Hunterian Museum and campus images such as the blue plaque outside No 11 and his clock. There is also the artwork for the Lord Kelvin 200 badge. You can use the keyword Lord Kelvin to see everything available.

Who was Lord Kelvin?

Lord Kelvin was born in Belfast on 26 June 1824. He first matriculated at the University of Glasgow aged 10, and graduated in 1840 before moving to Cambridge to continue his studies. He returned to the University in 1846 as Chair of Natural Philosophy, a position that he held for 53 years.

The research he conducted at Glasgow paved the way for many developments that helped shape modern science.

Lord Kelvin played a key role in a revolution in communications, working on the first transatlantic cable; he also was a pioneer in the field of electrofrequency, paving the way for the inventions such as the radio.

He was at the vanguard of the emerging fields of thermodynamics and electromagnetism, both of which are the root of many modern scientific fields, such as quantum technologies, ultra-fast connectivity and modern space exploration.

Lord Kelvin was elevated to a peerage in 1892, taking the name Baron Kelvin of Largs from the river near the University.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “This is an exciting year for the University as we celebrate the life and legacy of one of our most renowned figures, William Thompson, or Lord Kelvin.

“Lord Kelvin’s work is widely recognised as being the source of so many of the modern fields of scientific research that continue to shape our understanding of the world around us. By celebrating his life and work, we keep alive the long tradition of invention, innovation and inspiration that is synonymous with the University of Glasgow.”

Professor Miles Padgett is the University’s current Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy (Physics & Astronomy): “All across the University, just like Kelvin, we’re working to turn pure science into innovative technologies that can make an impact on the real world. We’re helping to build the city as a world leader for future tech through initiatives like the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.

“I hope that, 200 years from now, the people of the future will be living in a better world that Lord Kelvin helped create.”

First published: 1 May 2024

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